Ilparpa Claypans FaunaClam Shrimp Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae) Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) Shield Shrimp (Triops australiensis) Toadhopper (Buforania crassa)

The Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae formerly Neobatrachus centralis), is one of the most widely distributed of the Australian burrowing frogs and is found inhabiting grasslands in arid and semi-arid regions. It is often found in claypans, such as those of Ilparpa Claypans in Alice Springs.

Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis)
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae), Ilparpa Claypans NT

Also locally known as the Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis), they have vertical pupils and are a fawn, pale yellow or grey on their upper side, with small irregular darker patches. The toes are fully webbed with deep indentations between the toes.

Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis)
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae), Ilparpa Claypans
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis)
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae), Ilparpa Claypans
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis)
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae), Ilparpa Claypans
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae formerly Neobatrachus centralis), Ilparpa Claypans, NT
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae formerly Neobatrachus centralis), Ilparpa Claypans, NT

Like most desert frogs, they develop quickly from eggs, to tadpole and to frogs.

Desert Trilling Frog spawn at Alice Springs Ilparpa Claypans
Desert Trilling Frog spawn at Alice Springs Ilparpa Claypans

The following are of the Desert Trilling Frog having just emerged from aestivation at the Ilparpa Claypans in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis) emerging from aestivation
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae formerly Neobatrachus centralis) emerging from aestivation
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis) emerging from aestivation
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae formerly Neobatrachus centralis) emerging from aestivation
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis)
Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae formerly Neobatrachus centralis) emerging from aestivation

More info in our Fauna section on FrogsDesert Trilling Frog.


  • Scientific classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Amphibia
  • Order: Anura
  • Family: Limnodynastidae
  • Genus: Neobatrachus
  • Species: N. sudellae
  • Binomial name: Neobatrachus sudellae

Ilparpa Claypans FaunaClam Shrimp Desert Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus sudellae) Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) Shield Shrimp (Triops australiensis) Toadhopper (Buforania crassa)

Ilparpa ClaypansIlparpa Claypans Fauna Ilparpa Claypans Flora Ilparpa Claypans Landscape

Northern TerritoryCentral Australia Aileron Alice Springs Binns Track Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve Ernest Giles Road Finke Gorge National Park Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve Hermannsburg Historic Precinct Ilparpa Claypans Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve MacDonnell Ranges Mount Connor Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary Owen Springs Reserve Red Centre Way Drive Standley Chasm Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Watarrka National Park & Kings Canyon Wurre / Rainbow Valley